U.S. patent number 10,583,797 [Application Number 15/786,821] was granted by the patent office on 2020-03-10 for carrier for airbag.
This patent grant is currently assigned to FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Alan George Dry, Daniel Ferretti, Johnathan Andrew Line, Brian Robert Spahn, Benjamin Yilma.
United States Patent |
10,583,797 |
Line , et al. |
March 10, 2020 |
Carrier for airbag
Abstract
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat, an arm connected to the
seat, a carrier supported by the arm, and an airbag supported by
the carrier. The arm is moveable between a stowed position and a
deployed position. The carrier is spaceable from the seat when the
arm is in the deployed position. The airbag is inflatable to an
inflated position in a direction toward the seat.
Inventors: |
Line; Johnathan Andrew
(Northville, MI), Dry; Alan George (Grosse Pointe Woods,
MI), Ferretti; Daniel (Commerce Township, MI), Spahn;
Brian Robert (Plymouth, MI), Yilma; Benjamin (Canton,
MI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
(Dearborn, MI)
|
Family
ID: |
65910215 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/786,821 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20190111877 A1 |
Apr 18, 2019 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N
2/42763 (20130101); B60N 2/986 (20180201); B60R
21/207 (20130101); B60N 3/001 (20130101); B60N
3/002 (20130101); B60N 2/14 (20130101); B60R
21/18 (20130101); B60R 21/233 (20130101); B60N
2/42 (20130101); B60R 2021/23107 (20130101); B60R
21/232 (20130101); B60R 2021/23169 (20130101); B60R
2021/23308 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60R
21/18 (20060101); B60R 21/207 (20060101); B60N
2/42 (20060101); B60N 3/00 (20060101); B60R
21/233 (20060101); B60R 21/231 (20110101); B60R
21/232 (20110101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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4131998 |
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Mar 1993 |
|
DE |
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102007052975 |
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May 2009 |
|
DE |
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102011016583 |
|
Oct 2012 |
|
DE |
|
1632407 |
|
Mar 2006 |
|
EP |
|
1314608 |
|
Apr 1973 |
|
GB |
|
2008-222199 |
|
Sep 2008 |
|
JP |
|
Primary Examiner: Vanaman; Frank B
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McKenzie; Frank A. Bejin Bieneman
PLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vehicle seat assembly comprising: a seat having a seat bottom
and a seat back extending upwardly from the seat bottom; an arm
connected to the seat, the arm moveable between a stowed position
and a deployed position; a carrier supported by the arm, the
carrier spaced from the seat bottom and having a bottom surface
facing the seat bottom when the arm is in the deployed position,
and the carrier spaced from the seat back when the arm is in the
deployed position defining an occupant seating area between the
carrier and the seat back; an airbag supported by the carrier; the
airbag inflatable to an inflated position in a direction toward the
seat bottom; and the carrier includes a carrier frame supporting a
first lid and a second lid, the carrier frame between the first and
second lids, and the airbag disposed between the first and second
lids.
2. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat bottom
includes a forward end, a rearward end, and a raised section
between the forward and rearward ends, the raised section proximal
the forward end relative the rearward end, the airbag being
inflatable to the inflated position in a direction toward the
raised section.
3. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 2, further comprising an
elongated track supported by the seat, the track slideably
connecting the arm to the seat.
4. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 3, wherein the elongated
track is elongated along a lower surface of the seat bottom in a
direction from a first side of the seat to a second side of the
seat.
5. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 4, wherein a portion of the
elongated track is positioned below the raised section of the seat
bottom.
6. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 3, further comprising a slide
rail supporting the arm, the slide rail slideably engaging the
elongated track.
7. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the carrier is
fixedly secured adjacent an end of the arm.
8. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and
second lids have proximate ends and distal ends, the proximate ends
proximal the seat relative to the distal ends when the carrier is
spaced from the seat and the first and second lids are in a closed
position, the proximate ends of the first and second lids moveable
in a direction away from the carrier frame to an open position.
9. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 8, wherein the proximate ends
of the first and second lids are moveable to predetermined
locations away from the carrier frame when the first and second
lids are in the open position.
10. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 8, wherein each of the first
and second lids have a top side and a bottom side, the bottom sides
abutting the airbag when the first and second lids are in the open
position, and the airbag is in the inflated position.
11. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 10, wherein when the airbag
is in the inflated position, a first portion of the airbag abuts
and extends in a direction away from the bottom side of the first
lid, and a second portion of the airbag abuts and extends in a
direction away from the bottom side of the second lid.
12. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 8, further comprising a
first surface, wherein the first surface is supported by the
carrier frame adjacent the first lid and proximal the seat relative
to the first lid when the carrier is spaced from the seat.
13. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 12, wherein when the airbag
is in the inflated position, the airbag abuts and extends in a
direction away from the first surface.
14. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 8, further comprising a
surface supported by the carrier frame adjacent the second lid and
proximal the seat relative to the second lid when the carrier is
spaced from the seat.
15. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 14, wherein when the airbag
is in the inflated position, the airbag abuts and extends in a
direction away from the surface.
16. A vehicle seat assembly comprising: a seat; an arm connected to
the seat, the arm moveable between a stowed position and a deployed
position; a carrier supported by the arm, the carrier spaced from
the seat when the arm is in the deployed position; and an airbag
supported by the carrier; the airbag inflatable to an inflated
position in a direction toward the seat; wherein the carrier
includes a carrier frame supporting a first lid and a second lid,
the carrier frame between the first and second lids, and the airbag
disposed between the first and second lids; wherein the first and
second lids have proximate ends and distal ends, the proximate ends
proximal the seat relative to the distal ends when the carrier is
spaced from the seat and the first and second lids are in a closed
position, the proximate ends of the first and second lids moveable
in a direction away from the carrier frame to an open position; and
wherein each of the first and second lids have a top side and a
bottom side, the bottom sides abutting the airbag when the first
and second lids are in the open position, and the airbag is in the
inflated position.
17. A vehicle seat assembly comprising: a seat having a seat bottom
and a seat back extending upwardly from the seat bottom; an arm
connected to the seat, the arm moveable between a stowed position
and a deployed position; a carrier supported by the arm, the
carrier spaced from the seat bottom and having a bottom surface
facing the seat bottom when the arm is in the deployed position,
and the carrier spaced from the seat back when the arm is in the
deployed position defining an occupant seating area between the
carrier and the seat back; an airbag supported by the carrier; the
airbag inflatable to an inflated position in a direction toward the
seat bottom; the seat bottom includes a forward end, a rearward
end, and a raised section between the forward and rearward ends,
the raised section proximal the forward end relative the rearward
end, the airbag being inflatable to the inflated position in a
direction toward the raised section; and an elongated track
supported by the seat, the track slideably connecting the arm to
the seat.
18. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 17, wherein the elongated
track is elongated along a lower surface of the seat bottom in a
direction from a first side of the seat to a second side of the
seat.
19. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 18, wherein a portion of the
elongated track is positioned below the raised section of the seat
bottom.
20. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 17, further comprising a
slide rail supporting the arm, the slide rail slideably engaging
the elongated track.
Description
BACKGROUND
Vehicles may include a variety of passive restraint systems,
including airbags that can deploy during a vehicle impact. Airbags
can assist in absorbing energy from vehicle occupants during the
impact. The airbag may be a component of an airbag assembly,
including a housing supporting an airbag, and an inflator in
communication with the airbag for inflating the airbag from an
uninflated position to an inflated position.
The vehicle may include an impact sensing system in communication
with the airbag assembly for sensing a vehicle impact and
instructing the inflator to inflate airbags when a vehicle impact
is sensed. The impact sensing system may sense a direction of the
impact and may selectively inflate, or not inflate, certain airbags
of the vehicle, or extensions of the airbags, based on the type and
magnitude of impact that is sensed, e.g., based on the direction,
magnitude, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger cabin of an example
vehicle with a cutaway to show vehicle seats.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example of a vehicle seat
assembly with an arm in a stowed position.
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the example of the vehicle seat
assembly of FIG. 2A with the arm in a deployed position.
FIG. 3A is a side view of the vehicle seat assembly with a seat in
hidden line, the arm in the deployed position, and a carrier spaced
from the seat.
FIG. 3B is a front view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG.
3A.
FIG. 4A is a side view of the vehicle seat assembly with the seat
in hidden line, the arm in the deployed position, the carrier
spaced from the seat, and first and second lids in open
positions.
FIG. 4B is a front view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG.
4A.
FIG. 5A is a side view of the vehicle seat assembly with the seat
in hidden line, the arm in the deployed position, the carrier
spaced from the seat, the first and second lids in open positions,
and an airbag in an inflated position.
FIG. 5B is a front view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG.
5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat, an arm connected to the
seat, a carrier supported by the arm, and an airbag supported by
the carrier. The arm is moveable between a stowed position and a
deployed position. The carrier is spaceable from the seat when the
arm is in the deployed position. The airbag is inflatable to an
inflated position in a direction toward the seat.
The vehicle seat assembly can include a seat bottom having a
forward end, a rearward end, and a raised section between the
forward and rearward ends. The raised section can be proximal the
forward end relative the rearward end.
The vehicle seat assembly can further include an elongated track
supported by the seat, the track slideably connecting the arm to
the seat. The track can be elongated along a lower surface of the
seat bottom in a direction from a first side of the seat to a
second side of the seat. A portion of the track can be positioned
below the raised section of the seat bottom.
The vehicle seat assembly can further include a slide rail that can
support the arm. The slide rail can slideably engage the track.
The carrier of the vehicle seat assembly can be fixedly secured
adjacent an end of the arm. The carrier can include a frame
supporting a first lid and a second lid, with the carrier frame
between the first and second lids. The airbag can be disposed
between the first and second lids
The first and second lids can have proximate ends and distal ends.
The proximate ends of the first and second lids can be proximal the
seat relative to the distal ends when the carrier is spaced from
the seat and the first and second lids are in a closed
position.
The proximate ends of the first and second lids can be moveable in
a direction away from the carrier frame to open positions. The
proximate ends can be moveable to predetermined locations away from
the carrier frame when the first and second lids are in the open
position.
Each of the first and second lids can have a top side and a bottom
side. The bottom sides can abut the airbag when the first and
second lids are in the open position, and the airbag is in the
inflated position.
When the airbag is in the inflated position, a first portion of the
airbag can abut and extend in a direction away from the bottom side
of the first lid. A second portion of the airbag can abut and
extend in a direction away from the bottom side of the second
lid.
The carrier of the vehicle seat assembly can further include a
first surface. The first surface can be supported by the carrier
frame adjacent the first lid and proximal the seat relative to the
first lid when the carrier is spaced from the seat. The airbag can
abut and extend in a direction away from the first surface when the
airbag is in the inflated position.
The carrier of the vehicle seat assembly can further include a
second surface. The second surface can be supported by the carrier
frame adjacent the second lid and proximal the seat relative to the
second lid when the carrier is spaced from the seat. The airbag can
abut and extend in a direction away from the second surface when
the airbag is in the inflated position.
With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like
parts throughout the several views, a vehicle 10 can include a
passenger compartment 14 having one or more vehicle seat assemblies
18.
The vehicle seat assembly 18 includes a seat 20, an arm 40
connected to the seat 20, a carrier 46 supported by the arm 40, and
an airbag 74 supported by the carrier 46. The arm 40 is moveable
between a stowed position and a deployed position. The carrier 46
is spaceable from the seat 20 when the arm is in the deployed
position. The airbag 74 is inflatable to an inflated position in a
direction toward the seat 20.
Although illustrated as a sedan, the vehicle 10 may include any
passenger or commercial vehicle such as a car, a truck, a sport
utility vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a
bus, etc. Moreover, the vehicle 10 may be powered in a variety of
known ways, such as with an electric motor, an internal combustion
engine, and/or combinations thereof.
The vehicle 10 may be an autonomous vehicle. Autonomous vehicles
use a variety of sensors and computing devices to operate the
vehicle 10 with various levels of input from a human driver. The
computing device(s) of the vehicle 10 may operate the vehicle 10 in
an autonomous mode, a semi-autonomous mode, or a non-autonomous
mode. An autonomous mode is defined as one in which each of a
propulsion, braking, and steering system of the vehicle 10 are
controlled by the computer; in a semi-autonomous mode the computing
device controls one or two propulsion, braking, and steering
systems of the vehicle 10; in a non-autonomous mode, a human
operator controls the propulsion, braking, and steering systems of
the vehicle 10.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has defined multiple
levels of autonomous vehicle operation. At levels 0-2, the human
driver monitors or controls almost all driving tasks, generally
with no help from the vehicle 10. For example, at level 0 ("no
automation"), a human driver is responsible for all vehicle
operations. At level 1 ("driver assistance"), the vehicle 10
sometimes assists with steering, acceleration, or braking, but the
human driver is still responsible for much of the vehicle control.
At level 2 ("partial automation"), the vehicle 10 can control
steering, acceleration, and braking under certain circumstances
without human interaction. At levels 3-5, the vehicle 10 assumes
more driving related tasks. At level 3 ("conditional automation"),
the vehicle 10 can handle steering, acceleration, and braking under
certain circumstances, as well as driving environment monitoring.
Level 3 still requires the human driver to intervene occasionally.
At level 4 ("high automation"), the vehicle 10 can handle the same
tasks as at level 3, but without relying on the human driver to
intervene in certain driving modes. At level 5 ("full automation"),
the vehicle 10 can handle almost all tasks without any human driver
intervention.
The vehicle 10 can have a body 12. The body 12 may be formed of any
suitable material. For example, the body can be formed of steel,
aluminum, etc. Alternatively, the body 12 can be of any other
suitable material or combinations of material of any suitable
thickness.
The body 12 can be supported by a frame (not shown). The body 12
and the frame can be a unibody construction. In the unibody
construction, the body 12, e.g., rocker panels, etc., serves as the
frame, and the body 12 (including the rocker panels, pillars, roof
rails, etc.) is unitary, i.e., a continuous one-piece unit.
In another approach, the body 12 can have a body-on-frame
construction (also referred to as a cab-on-frame construction). In
other words, the body 12 and the frame are separate components,
i.e., modular, and the body 12 is supported on and fixed to the
frame.
The body 12 includes exterior surfaces, such as a hood, windows,
lids and/or hatches. Exterior surfaces of the body 12 can present a
Class-A, substantially defect-free, finely-finished surface
appearance. The exterior surfaces can be formed from any suitable
material, such as painted steel, aluminum and plastic, etc.
With reference to FIG. 1, the body 12 of the vehicle 10 can include
a passenger compartment 14. The passenger compartment 14 can
include multiple vehicle seat assemblies 18. The vehicle seat
assemblies 18 can, for example, be mounted in a fixed position on a
floor 16 of the passenger compartment 14.
In another example, the vehicle seat assemblies 18 may be moveable
relative to the floor 16 of the passenger compartment 14. The
vehicle seat assemblies 18 can be moveable independently.
Additionally, and alternatively, the vehicle seat assemblies 18 may
be moveable together as a unit. In one example, each of the vehicle
seat assemblies 18 may be independently moveable relative to the
floor 16 of the vehicle 10 in a vehicle fore-and-aft direction,
and/or in a cross-vehicle direction.
Additionally, the vehicle seat assemblies 18 may be rotatable
relative the floor 16, as shown in FIG. 1. When rotated, the
vehicle seat assemblies 18 can be fixed at any location throughout
a rotation relative to an initial location, e.g., at 45 degrees
relative to the initial location, etc.
As shown in FIGS. 1-5B and discussed above, each of the vehicle
seat assemblies 18 includes the seat 20. The seat 20 may include a
seat back 22 and a seat bottom 24. The seat 20 can also include a
headrest (not shown). The headrest may be supported by the seat
back and may be stationary or movable relative to the seat back
22.
The seat back 22 can be supported by the seat bottom 24 and extend
upwardly from the seat bottom 24. The seat back 22 may be
stationary or movable relative to the seat bottom 24. For example,
the seat back 22 may recline relative to the seat bottom 24. In
addition, the seat back 22 may be foldable over the seat bottom 24
from an upright position to a flat position such that the seat back
22 abuts the seat bottom 24 along a length of the seat back 22. The
seat back 22 can support armrests 23 as shown in the Figures.
The seat bottom 24 can include a forward end 30, a rearward end 34,
and a raised section 32 between the forward and rearward ends 30,
34. The raised section 32 is raised relative to the forward and
rearward ends 30, 34 (i.e., in a generally vertical direction when
oriented in the vehicle 10). The raised section 32 may be ramped
relative to the forward and rearward ends 30, 34. The rearward end
34 may be adjacent the seat back 22 when the seat back 22 extends
upwardly from the seat bottom 24. The raised section 32 can be
disposed proximal the forward end 30 relative the rearward end 34.
The raised section 32 may be referred to as an "anti-submarine
ramp."
As shown in FIGS. 3A, 4A and 5A, when an occupant 80 is seated in
the seat 20, a pelvis of the occupant 80 can be positioned between
the rearward end 34 and the raised section 32 of the seat bottom
24. In this way, the raised section 32 can assist in preventing the
pelvis of the occupant 80 from sliding forward, and, therefore, the
occupant 80 from sliding off the seat bottom 24.
For example, referring to FIGS. 5A-B and as further discussed
below, the airbag 74 can inflate to the inflated position in the
direction toward the seat 20 during, e.g., an impact event. The
airbag 74 can assist in absorbing energy from the occupant 80 due
the impact. In this way, the airbag 74 and the raised section 32 of
the seat bottom 24 can assist in retaining the occupant 80 in the
seat 20 during the impact event.
The raised section 32 of the seat bottom 24 can be elongated. The
raised section 32 can, e.g., be elongated in a direction generally
parallel to the forward and rearward ends 30, 34 of the seat bottom
24.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A-B, 3B, 4B and 5B, the seat 20 can include a
first side 26 and a second side 28. The seat bottom 24 can extend
between the first and second sides 26, 28. The raised section 32 of
the seat bottom 24 can be elongated from the first side 26 of the
seat 20 to the second side 28 of the seat 20. Alternatively, the
raised section 32 can be elongated for a distance between the first
and second sides 26, 28.
The seat 20, including the seat bottom 24 and/or the seat back 22,
can include a seat frame (not shown). The seat frame may include
tubes, beams, etc. The seat frame may be formed of any suitable
plastic material, e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP),
glass fiber-reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite
(organosheet), etc. Additionally, some or all components of the
seat frame may be formed of a suitable metal, e.g., steel,
aluminum, etc. The seat frame can be configured to form the raised
section 32 of the seat bottom 24.
The seat 20 can also include a covering 25. The covering 25 can be
supported over the seat frame. The covering 25 can include
upholstery and padding. The upholstery may be formed of cloth,
leather, faux leather, and/or other suitable materials. The
upholstery may be stitched in panels around the seat frame. The
padding may be between the covering 25 and the seat frame, and may
be foam and/or other suitable materials. The foam and/or other
suitable materials can be configured to form the raised section 32
of the seat bottom 24. Alternatively, the foam and/or other
suitable materials may be combined with the seat frame as well as
other structures to form the raised section 32.
As shown in the Figures, the seats 20 of the vehicle seat
assemblies 18 are depicted as single-occupancy seats 20. The
vehicle seat assemblies 18 could also be configured for multiple
occupants. For example, the seats 20 can be bench seat (not shown),
etc.
As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the arm 40 of the vehicle seat assembly 18
is moveably connected to the seat 20. The arm 40 is moveable
between the stowed position and the deployed position. The arm 40
can be moveable between the stowed and deployed positions in any of
a variety of ways.
In one approach, the arm 40 may be pivotally connected to the first
or the second sides 26, 28 of the seat 20, with the arm 40
rotatable between the stowed and deployed positions.
For example, the arm 40 can be moveably connected to the seat 20
via a pivot point, e.g., a ball-and-socket, a hinge joint, etc.,
positioned on the first or second side 26, 28 of the seat 20. In
this approach, the arm 40 can be rotated from the stowed position,
to a position forward of the forward end 30 of the seat bottom 24,
to the deployed position. The arm 40 can likewise be rotated from
the deployed position, to a position forward of the forward end 30
of the seat bottom 24, to the stowed position. In this example, the
carrier 46 may be positioned below a lower surface 36 of the seat
bottom 24 when the arm 40 is in the stowed position (not
shown).
In another approach, the arm 40 can be moveable between the stowed
position (FIG. 2A) and the deployed position (FIG. 2B) via an
elongated track 38. The elongated track 38 can be positioned, e.g.,
on a back surface of the seat back 22, on the lower surface 36 of
the seat bottom 24, etc.
Referring to the example shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the lower surface 36
of the seat bottom 24 includes the elongated track 38. The
elongated track 38 can be elongated along the lower surface 36 of
the seat bottom 24 in a direction from the first side 26 to the
second side 28 of the seat 20. A portion of the elongated track 38
can be positioned below the raised section 32 of the seat bottom
24, e.g., directly below the raised section 32 of the seat bottom
24.
The arm 40 and the elongated track 38 can include corresponding
interfaces such that the arm 40 is movable along the elongated
track 38 between the stowed and the deployed positions. For
example, the elongated track 38 can have a C-shaped cross section
(not shown) to form a first interface.
As shown in FIGS. 2A-5B, a slide rail 44 may support the arm 40,
and can include a second interface (not shown) corresponding to the
first interface. For example, the second interface may include
roller bearings, a slideable inner track, etc. As such, the slide
rail 44 can slideably engage the track 38, thereby allowing the arm
40 to move along the track 38 between the stowed position and the
deployed position.
The arm 40 can be manually and/or automatically moveable between
the stowed and deployed positions. For example, the elongated track
38 may include a plurality of teeth (not shown) spaced from each
other along a length of the elongated track 38. The arm 40, the
slide rail 44, or both, can include rotatable gear(s) (not shown)
operably connected to a motor (not shown). The rotatable gear(s)
can engage one or more of the plurality of teeth of the elongated
track 38. When the motor is activated, the rotatable gear(s) can
rotate, and the arm can automatically move along the track 38
between the stowed position and the deployed position.
A sensor (not shown) may also be associated with the vehicle seat
assembly 18. The sensor can detect, e.g., when the seat 20 is
occupied by the occupant 80. In one approach, when the sensor
detects the occupant 80 is seated in the seat 20, the arm 40 may
automatically move from the stowed position to the deployed
position.
The arm 40 can be moveably connected to the seat 20, directly or
indirectly. In the examples shown in the Figures, the arm 40 is
moveably connected to the seat 20 via the slide rail 44. As
discussed above, for example, the slide rail 44 can support the arm
40, and slideably engage the track 38.
The slide rail 44 may be formed as a sleeve surrounding the arm 40,
as shown in FIGS. 2A-5B. The slide rail 44 can be secured to the
arm 40 in any suitable way, e.g., fasteners, adhesives, welding,
etc. The slide rail 44 may be formed of metal, e.g., steel,
aluminum, etc., as well as other suitable materials, such as
plastic and/or composite materials. The slide rail 44 may also be
formed from a combination of materials. While the slide rail 44 and
the arm 40 shown in the Figures and described herein may be
separate structures, the arm 40 and slide rail 44 can also be
formed as a single structure.
In the example of the arm 40 shown in FIGS. 3B, 4B and 5B, the arm
40 is generally C-shaped. The arm 40 may be a different shape. For
example, the arm 40 can be configured in any shape to allow the arm
40 to be moveable between the stowed and deployed positions, to
accommodate a location of the moveable connection between the arm
40 and the seat 20, and to space the carrier 46 from the seat 20
when the arm 40 is in the deployed position.
Referring back to FIGS. 3B, 4B and 5B, one end of the arm 40 can be
proximate the slide rail 44. Another end 42 of the arm 40 can be
adjacent the carrier 46. The arm 40 is moveable between the stowed
and deployed positions, and configured to space the carrier 46 from
the seat 20 when the arm 40 is in the deployed position. The arm 40
can be formed of rigid materials, such as metal, plastic, composite
materials, and the like. The arm 40 can also be formed of a
combination of suitable materials.
As discussed above, and shown in FIGS. 1-5B, the carrier 46 is
supported by the arm 40, and spaceable from the seat 20 when the
arm 40 is in the deployed position. For example, the carrier 46 can
be fixedly secured adjacent the end 42 of the arm 40 such that when
the arm 40 is in the deployed position, the carrier 46 is spaced
from the seat 20.
The carrier 46 can include a first lid 50, a second lid 60, and a
carrier frame 48 between the first and second lids 50, 60. The
airbag 74 can be disposed between the first and second lids 50, 60,
e.g., within a perimeter of the carrier frame 48.
The first and second lids 50, 60 can be moveable to open positions.
In FIGS. 1-3B, the first and second lids 50, 60 are shown in a
closed position. In FIGS. 4A-5B, the first and second lids 50, 60
are shown in the open position.
While FIGS. 4A-5B show each of the first and second lids 50, 60 in
the open position, the first and second lids 50, 60 may be
configured to independently move to the open position. For example,
the first lid 50 can be moveable to the open position while the
second lid 60 remains in the closed position. Similarly, the second
lid 60 can be moveable to the open position while the first lid 50
remains in the closed position.
Alternatively, the first and second lids 50, 60 can be configured
such that when one of the first lid 50 and the second lid 60 moves
to the open position, the other of the first lid 50 and second lid
60 moves to the open position.
The first lid 50 can have a proximate end 52 and a distal end 54.
The proximate end 52 of the first lid 50 can be proximal the seat
20 relative to the distal end 54 when the carrier 46 is spaced from
the seat 20, and the first lid 50 is in the closed position.
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, the first lid 50, e.g., the proximate
end 52 of the first lid 50, can be moveable away from the carrier
frame 48 when the first lid 50 moves to the open position. The
proximate end 52 of the first lid 50 can be moveable to a
predetermined location away from the carrier frame 48, e.g., 8
inches, when the first lid 50 is in the open position, depending on
a width of the first lid 50 from the distal end 54 to the proximate
end 52.
The distal end 54 of the first lid 50 can be pivotally connected to
the carrier frame 48. For example, a hinge joint (not shown) can
secure the distal end 54 of the first lid 50 to the carrier frame
48. In this way, when the proximate end 52 of the first lid 50
moves to the open position, the hinge joint can secure the distal
end 54 of first lid 50 to the carrier frame 48.
The hinge joint connecting the first lid 50 to the carrier frame 48
may have a predetermined limited axis of rotation. For example, the
first lid 50 may be stopped at a predetermined location by a
stopper, a hinge design, or any suitable mechanism. At the
predetermined location, the airbag 74 may exert a force on a bottom
side 58 of the first lid 50, and the first lid 50 may exert an
opposite force on the airbag 74 through the stopper or other
suitable mechanism. The predetermined axis of rotation can be,
e.g., 85 degrees. As such, the proximate end 52 of the first lid 50
can be moveable to the predetermined location from the carrier
frame 48 when the first lid 50 moves to the open position. In this
way, the bottom side 58 of the first lid 50 can abut the airbag 74
when the airbag is in the inflated position, and serve as a
reaction surface for the airbag 74.
The second lid 60 can have a proximate end 62 and a distal end 64.
The proximate end 62 of the second lid 60 can be proximal the seat
20 relative to the distal end 64 when the carrier 46 is spaced from
the seat 20, and the second lid 60 is in the closed position.
With continued reference to FIGS. 4A and 5A, the second lid 60,
e.g., the proximate end 62 of the second lid 60, can be moveable
away from the carrier frame 48 when the second lid 60 moves to the
open position. The proximate end 62 of the second lid 60 can be
moveable to a predetermined location away from the carrier frame
48, e.g., 5 inches, when the second lid 60 is in the open position,
depending on a width of the second lid 60 from the distal end 64 to
the proximate end 62.
The distal end 64 of the second lid 60 can, e.g., be pivotally
connected to the carrier frame 48. For example, a hinge joint (not
shown) can secure the distal end 64 of the second lid 60 to the
carrier frame 48. In this way, when the proximate end 62 of the
second lid 60 moves to the open position, the hinge joint can
secure the distal end 64 of second lid 60 to the carrier frame
48.
The hinge joint connecting the second lid 60 to the carrier frame
48 may have a predetermined limited axis of rotation. For example,
the second lid 60 may be stopped at a predetermined location by a
stopper, a hinge design, or any suitable mechanism. At the
predetermined location, the airbag 74 may exert a force on a bottom
side 68 of the second lid 60, and the second lid 60 may exert an
opposite force on the airbag 74 through the stopper or other
suitable mechanism. The predetermined axis of rotation can be,
e.g., 110 degrees. As such, the proximate end 62 of the second lid
60 can be moveable to the predetermined location from the carrier
frame 48 when the second lid 60 moves to the open position. In this
way, the bottom side 68 of the second lid 60 can abut the airbag 74
when the airbag is in the inflated position, and serve as a
reaction surface for the airbag 74.
As further shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, the first and second lids 50,
60 can each have a top side 56, 66, respectively, opposing the
bottom sides 58, 68. The top sides 56, 66 can, e.g., be used as
writing surface, or to support computers, other devices, and/or
consumable goods when the first and second lids 50, 60 are in the
closed positions.
As discussed above, the carrier 46 can include the carrier frame
48. The arm 40 can support the carrier 46 via the carrier frame 48.
For example, the carrier frame 48 can be fixedly secured adjacent
the end 42 of the arm 40. The carrier frame 48 can be fixedly
secured adjacent the end 42 of the arm 40 in any suitable way,
e.g., fasteners, adhesives, welds, combinations thereof, etc.
The perimeter of the carrier frame 48 can be a generally
rectangular shape. The carrier frame 48 can be formed of any
suitable material, e.g., a metal, such as steel, aluminum; a carbon
fiber reinforced plastic; a glass-reinforced semi-finished
thermoplastic composite; etc. etc.
In addition to the first and second lids 50, 60, the carrier frame
48 can include a first surface 70 and a second surface 72.
The first surface 70 of the carrier 46 can be supported by the
carrier frame 48 adjacent the first lid 50, and proximal the seat
20 relative the first lid 50 when the carrier 46 is spaced from the
seat 20. The first surface 70 may be fixed to the carrier in any
suitable way, e.g., fasteners, adhesives, welds, and combinations
thereof.
When the airbag 74 is in the inflated position, the first surface
70 can abut the airbag 74 and the airbag 74 can extend in a
direction away from the first surface 70. In this way, the first
surface 70 can serve as a reaction surface to the airbag 74. The
first surface 70 can be formed of any suitable material, e.g.,
metal, such as steel or aluminum; a carbon fiber reinforced
plastic; a glass-reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite;
as well as combinations of the foregoing, etc.
The second surface 72 of the carrier 46 can be supported by the
carrier frame 48 adjacent the second lid 60, and proximal the seat
20 relative the second lid 60 when the carrier 46 is spaced from
the seat 20. The second surface 72 may be fixed to the carrier in
any suitable way, e.g., fasteners, adhesives, welds, and
combinations thereof.
When the airbag 74 is in the inflated position, the second surface
72 can abut the airbag 74 and the airbag 74 can extend in a
direction away from the second surface 72. In this way, the second
surface 72 can serve as a reaction surface to the airbag 74. The
first surface 70 can be formed of any suitable material, e.g.,
metal, such as steel or aluminum; a carbon fiber reinforced
plastic; a glass-reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite;
as well as combinations of the foregoing, etc.
As discussed above, the airbag 74 can be supported by the carrier
46. For example, the airbag 74 can be disposed between the first
and second lids 50, 60 within the perimeter of the carrier frame
48. As shown in FIGS. 5A-B, when the airbag 74 inflated to the
inflated position, a first portion 76 of the airbag 74 can extend
the direction toward the seat 20 via an opening in the carrier 46
when the first lid 50 moves to the open position. In this way,
energy from a torso and head of the occupant 80 can be absorbed,
while assisting in retaining the occupant 80 in the seat 20.
As also shown in FIGS. 5A-B, when the airbag 74 is inflated to the
inflated position, a second portion 78 of the airbag 74 can extend
toward the seat 20 via another opening in the carrier 46 when the
second lid 60 moves to the open position. In this way, energy from
legs of the occupant 80 can be absorbed, while assisting in
retaining the occupant 80 in the seat 20.
While the airbag 74 shown in the Figures is a single airbag 74,
multiple airbags can also be used. For example, the carrier 46 can
support two or more airbags. Each of the two or more airbags can be
disposed between the first and second lids 50, 60 within the
perimeter of the carrier frame 48.
One of the two or more airbags can be inflatable to the inflated
position and extend toward the seat 20 through the opening in the
carrier 46 when the first lid 50 moves to the open position.
Another of the two or more airbags can extend toward the seat 20
through the opening in the carrier 46 when the second lid 50 moves
to the open position.
The airbag 74 may be formed of a woven polymer or any other
material. As one example, the airbag 74 may be formed of woven
nylon yarn, for example, nylon 6-6. Other examples include
polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK),
polyester, etc. The woven polymer may include a coating, such as
silicone, neoprene, urethane, etc. For example, the coating may be
polyorgano siloxane.
The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it
is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is
intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of
limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present
disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the
disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described.
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